Intro to Developmental Psychology

Questions and Answers

What is the definition of development in this context?

The systematic changes that occur in an individual from conception to death (correct)

The learning processes that shape behavior

The emotional responses to life events

The gradual accumulation of knowledge over time

Which of the following best describes the concept of continuity in development?

The various stages individuals go through in their lifespan

The physiological changes that occur in different age groups

The impact of cultural factors on development

The ways in which individuals remain the same over time (correct)

What is the primary focus of microgenetic studies?

To understand the mechanisms driving developmental changes (correct)

To limit participant interaction during research

To study participants over a lengthy period

To conduct broad surveys across various developmental stages

One potential downside of microgenetic studies is that intense experiences may do what?

Stimulate development that wouldn't occur naturally Signup and view all the answers

What does maturation in development imply?

The biological unfolding of the individual according to their species typical characteristics Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of maturation?

Sexual development occurring between ages 11 and 15 Signup and view all the answers

Which ethical principle in research emphasizes the importance of not causing harm to participants?

Non-maleficence Signup and view all the answers

How do microgenetic studies generally assess developmental changes?

By closely monitoring participants over a short time frame Signup and view all the answers

What types of changes are excluded from the definition of development provided?

Changes in thoughts and behaviors Signup and view all the answers

What allows researchers to make strong statements about developmental changes in microgenetic studies?

The intensity of the study experience Signup and view all the answers

What does the heritability coefficient (H) indicate in relation to twin studies?

The amount of variation in a trait attributable to genetic factors. Signup and view all the answers

How is Nonshared Environmental Influences (NSE) calculated?

NSE = 1 - r (for identical twins reared together) Signup and view all the answers

What is the formula to calculate Shared Environmental Influences (SE)?

SE = 1.00 - (H + NSE) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following traits was specifically mentioned as being genetically influenced?

Introversion vs. extraversion Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT listed as an abnormal behavior condition influenced by heredity?

Laziness Signup and view all the answers

What role does the ego play in an individual's personality?

It enables perception, learning, memory, and reasoning. Signup and view all the answers

How can a child's fixation on an activity occur, according to psychosexual development?

If parents permit too much or too little gratification of sexual needs. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main focus of Erik Erikson's theory of psychosocial development?

Sociocultural determinants of development. Signup and view all the answers

What is indicated by an individual exhibiting oral fixation habits in adulthood?

They were discouraged from certain activities during infancy. Signup and view all the answers

What does the superego represent in personality structure?

The internalized moral standards. Signup and view all the answers

During which psychosocial stage is the crisis of trust versus mistrust addressed?

From birth to 1 year. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following behaviors would likely indicate a fixation caused by a strict upbringing regarding oral activities?

Adult tendencies such as smoking or overeating. Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic does the ego specifically exhibit in personality?

It allows for rational thought and decision-making. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'zones of proximal development' refer to?

Complex tasks that require guidance Signup and view all the answers

In the information processing perspective, what does 'hardware' refer to?

The brain and peripheral nervous system Signup and view all the answers

According to Arnold Gesell, how do children develop?

Through a predetermined genetic timetable Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary idea behind ethological and evolutionary theories of development?

Children are biologically programmed to behave in certain ways Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'critical period' refer to in developmental psychology?

A limited time for displaying specific developmental patterns Signup and view all the answers

How did John Bowlby contribute to our understanding of child behavior?

He founded the attachment theory Signup and view all the answers

What is a 'sensitive period' in child development?

An optimal time for specific capacities to develop Signup and view all the answers

What belief defines the role of responsiveness in emotional attachment?

Infants must learn to recognize faces to develop attachments Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best illustrates the concept of 'information processing' in human cognition?

The brain processing sensory inputs and outputs Signup and view all the answers

What aspect did Arnold Gesell consider of little importance in child development?

Parental involvement in learning activities Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Development and Change

Development involves systematic changes from conception to death, encompassing emotions, mood, and appearance.
Continuity refers to aspects of the self that remain unchanged through life.
Understanding developmental change involves a combination of factors indicating both stability and transformation.

Processes of Developmental Change

Maturation is the biological unfolding of an individual according to genetic inheritance.
Key examples of maturation include infant speech at age one and puberty occurring between ages 11-15.

Research Strategies

Microgenetic studies focus on intense observation of participants over short periods to understand developmental transitions, allowing for detailed analysis of changes and their causes.
Ethical considerations in research include autonomy, non-maleficence, and respect for participants.

Psychosexual Development

According to Freud's theory, imbalances in the gratification of sexual needs can lead to fixations, resulting in behaviors in adulthood, such as thumb-sucking or smoking.
Erik Erikson revised Freud's ideas to stress the importance of sociocultural influences on development, highlighting eight psychosocial stages of crisis resolution.

Cognitive Development

The information processing perspective equates the human mind to a computer, processing input through "hardware" (brain/nervous system) and "software" (mental processes like memory and problem-solving).

Ethological and Evolutionary Theories

Arnold Gesell viewed children as naturally unfolding according to a genetic timetable, diminishing the role of parenting styles.
John Bowlby established attachment theory, proposing that infants display biologically programmed reactions to foster connections with caregivers.

Attachment and Developmental Periods

Critical periods are times when organisms are biologically primed for specific developmental patterns.
Sensitive periods indicate optimal times for developing certain attributes, especially emotional responsiveness in the first three years of life.

Genetic Influences

Concordance rates measure the likelihood that a trait is present in both twins, showcasing the hereditary influence of attributes.
Heritability coefficient assesses the variation in traits attributed to genetics, calculated through comparisons of identical and fraternal twins.

Environmental Influences

Nonshared environmental influences (NSEs) and shared environmental influences (SEs) reflect the impacts of differing and similar environments on twins, respectively.
Hereditary factors significantly shape core personality traits and mental health conditions, underscoring the genetic basis of behaviors such as introversion, extroversion, and various psychological disorders.

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Description

This quiz covers the fundamental concepts of developmental psychology, including the systematic changes that occur in individuals from conception to death. It explores various aspects such as mood changes, appearance, thoughts, and behaviors throughout different stages of development.